Road safety, traffic law and driver responsibilities
The Highway Code is the floor, not the ceiling
A licensed driver's conduct is measured against the Highway Code, the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Construction and Use Regulations. Core concepts: speed limits (30 mph on restricted roads with street lighting unless signed otherwise; Wales now defaults to 20 mph on restricted roads); the hierarchy of road users, which places the greatest duty of care on those who can do the most harm; and stopping distances that roughly double in the wet and increase far more on ice.
Restraints: seat belts must be worn where fitted, and children under 12 or under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint. The driver is responsible for restraining passengers under 14.
Mobile phones: handheld use is illegal, including while stationary in traffic or at lights. Hands-free is lawful but can still amount to careless driving.
Insurance and vehicle: hire-and-reward cover is required; private motor cover does not protect an unbooked or uninsured journey. Smoking is prohibited in vehicles used for hire, and since 2015 it is an offence to smoke in a private vehicle carrying someone under 18.
Driver standards: eyesight sufficient to read a number plate at 20 metres (with lenses if worn), notifiable medical conditions reported to DVLA, and 12 penalty points within three years triggering disqualification.
Traps: the seat-belt exemption for taxi drivers carrying passengers for hire does not extend to children; ignoring a red light because the road was clear is still an offence.
Rule of thumb: if the manoeuvre would fail a driving test, it is not acceptable in a licensed vehicle.